The Long Arm of China: Exporting Authoritarianism With Chinese Characteristics

This hearing will examine the Chinese government’s foreign influence operations intended to censor critical discussion of its history and human rights record and to intimidate critics of its repressive policies. Attempts by the Chinese government to guide, buy, or coerce political influence and control discussion of “sensitive” topics are pervasive, and pose serious challenges in the United States and globally, particularly as China uses technology and the lure of the Chinese market to impose authoritarian practices abroad.

This hearing is the second in a series looking at China’s “long arm” and its impact on universally recognized freedoms. Witnesses will discuss the Chinese government and Communist Party’s efforts to interfere in multilateral institutions, threaten and intimidate rights defenders and their families,impose censorship mechanisms on foreign publishers and social media companies, and influence academic institutions and critical analysis of China’s past history and present policies. They will also offer recommendations for Congressional and Administration action.